Hey all wanted to touch base and tell you all I’m sorry I let our game fizzle out. I never wanted to be a DM that abandoned games but I was going through some serious mental health challenges with my work being unhealthy for exacerbating my condition (literally I was trying to post on this game sometimes while sleeping outdoors and a couple times in homeless shelters!) so it’s not like I was just being flaky.
I had an incredible experience in Paraguay and made contact with native people from the land of the Gregory river who live as guardians of the Amazona , still hunting and fishing and living a simple life . They have beautiful songs!
I am back now in states with stable internet but I hesitate to fire up the game since I always seem to end up having these issues sooner or later with these games.
I remember I was seeking a co-Gm to be able to tag team with and that would have been probably a good idea.
Just wanted to say thanks to all for hanging in with me and hope there’s a way to find a way for your characters to continue on at least somehow.
Thanks for the understanding and support folks. What happens with bipolar is if I let myself go up to high (working those long shifts and not resting properly etc) it gets followed by a crash. I am just feeling totally out of it . I feel weird saying it in public too but I’d rather you all now I’m not avoiding out of disinterest or anything.
I am actually getting on a plane to Paraguay to woof on an organic farm for a month to just reset myself. Here the living expenses are high so I end up in a cycle of doing work that isn’t great for me.
It’s ok BD I have been taking a little mental health time anyway. I’m popping in but I actually don’t have access to my pdf’s yet and I have needed to rest because I had a little flare up health wise because of some work/life circumstances.
The valet nervously starts collecting the coins and suddenly freezes. From the hay loft Bez and Melira can see a dozen daggers of purple translucent necrotic energy materialize in the air and dart down to cluster along the back of the squatting valet, pricking him through his chore coat.
”The travelers from Endhome. Describe them.” the dark elf says flatly.
The valet stammers. ”A strange man with features from the seven hells was here. Well dressed, like a dandy, but something not quite on the up and up about him. And a sweet girl, elvish blood, not quite bookish but maybe an inquisitive sort… They went to investigate the manor. That’s all I know. They should be checking back in tonight.”
The knives drill in a bit deeper.
”Room number.”
”It wasn’t fixed yet. They’d have to take the last one with an added cot, it’s the only vacancy…. The one upstairs above the hearth. Please can i…”
The last request is cut short as the daggers plunge. There is no sign of blood as the valet goes stiff and collapses into the hay, a silver clutched in his hand.
The valet shifts a bit , looking uncomfortable . ”Well, you know my friend, this is a well travelled road. Some of our customers prefer a bit of privacy. Discretion… That’s the way of the road. I’m sure you understand.”
The grim dark elf silently upends a pouch and shakes it spilling silver out onto the hay covered floor. He continues shaking it til it is empty. Coins rolling everywhere. Some spinning. He makes no effort to fill the awkward silence with nervous speech. He just stands there expressionless, waiting for a report.
Bez and Melira are in a hay loft. The barn itself i Isabel, with capacity for 6 hoses on the ground floor. The loft covers half the area. In over words, half the floor plan has a loft above it, the other half has a clear view up on the pitched ceiling. There is plenty of concealment in the loft. As it happens , there are tools around, including a saw.
The nervous valet enters below, blowing into his cupped hands before him. Behind him comes the dark elf. He moves differently than before, none of the nervous energy. His face is grim, emotionless. Those scars. Stitched over like the work of the morgue. The valet leads the horse to the stall.
”Do you need anything from the saddlebags , mister?”
Rhendlyth ignores the question, and answers with his own. [b]”Have any other travelers from Endhome checked in recently?” His voice does not resemble that of the pyromancer from the fight at the academy. You remember his nervous fearful demeanor. All that is gone. The man before you is focused, unflinching, void of emotion.
About one third of the refugees decide to stay and set up their new life in Cat’s Wife. The rest travel on with the priest and the knight to Endhome. Within three more days the city of Endhome comes into view . No further encounters on the road, not even an armed patrol or a merchant caravan.
Along with the sight of Endhome comes the smell of salt, the sound of gulls, and the vista of the great eastern sea. The terrain becomes rockier, saltier, different vegetation.
Endhome is a sight to behold. Walled and fortified , it is truly an intercontinental trade hub.
"I don't recall asking you to get drunk as a lord on the job, but here we are, my dear varlets," says Bez smoothly. "You be on your way and pay us no mind, and we'll do the same for you."
[dice=Persuasion]1d20 + 2
That will certainly do the trick.
The lads sniff and wipe their drippy noses in the cold air.
”No we was just passing by. Nothing in there but smelly hay anyway. Just ‘avin a lark…”
They stumble off leaving the stables unguarded. The stables are a standard affair with a loft that covers half the breadth of the building, a ladder up the right hand side. Hay bails everywhere, 5 horses stabled on the ground floor. Only one stall vacant, making it plain to see where the dark elf visitors mount will be boarded.
After a moment the valet from the tavern can be heard outside along with the squeak of wagon wheels and the comp of hooves . ”Here we are, the stables. You can retrieve your mount after you’ve rested, I’ll show you where he’ll be kept just inside here. Now are you sure you’re alright mister? You look like death warmed over. No offense intended…”
It sounds as if the valet is conversing with the dead dark elf pyromancer, and they are just outside.
The stable hands turn toward the pair of would-be lovers. ”Ho there! Can we help you? I don’t recall checking in your horse.”
They are two boys of 19 or 20 years, one strapping , one wiry. They look like they may have been in a tussle or two. It is a major trade road with all sorts of traffic after all.
The stables are a ways off from the lodging. They have a careful wary air about them, not as relaxed as the servants who work close to the hearth and bustle of community.
Their noses are a bit red in the chill air.
Insight DC 10:
These boys look to have imbibed a bit to take the edge off the chill, and they seem to be passing themselves off as sober.
Faidh smiles at the children and nods."Endhome it is. I will try and keep in touch. Tell me your names and I will remember them. I will even support you when I can"
Faidh will make sure her and the dog stay close to the children that night. She has kinda warmed up to them and felt like she should be responsible of them.
The eldest girl speaks for all all of them, as usual.
”I am Estrid and she is Olly. Our shy brother is Jak. We are honored to know you, Madame Knight.”
The young boy standing safely behind his sisters, nods his little round head. ”Honored.” he repeats softly.
You can tell someone taught them a certain set of manners. They are a little formal with you but they hang on your every word, and their relief when you pay attention to them is palpable.
Bez and Melira make their way back from the mansion, down the road from the orchard’s back to Grollek’s Grove.. As they approach the boarding house where they had checked in earlier , they see a carriage with horses being led to the stables.
There is a new guest being checked in. Tall, slender.
Investigation DC 10:
The guest being checked in has familiar garb and posture. It is the dark elf who attacked you at the academy , the one who was caught up with the necromancers, and who you defeated in combat.
Perception DC 10:
There is something peculiar about the dark elf. His skin is pallid now, and you can make out stitches around his neck, not like one small scar but all the way around.
"If they think they can have a better life here, then I am glad. As for the Shadowy forces....Not sure. I would think that they are more against just the village itself and not its people." Faidh says with a big smile showing her tooth gap. She prayed to the Goddess that it was true, but until they got to the city with its resources she wouldn't know for sure.
The kids nod earnestly, and scurry back to the others.
1d10 ⇒ 10
The people of Bridgetown settle in for the night in the hay barns , sleeping on the bails. Many of the Cat’s Wife villagers gather for Faidh’s musical performance. The mood is hopeful. Compared to the last week this is comfort.
When the morning comes, the refugees of Bridgetown are divided. Roughly half have decided to stay on, and adapt to rural village life, which is not so different from where they are from. Fishing and farming. The others, many of them traders, wish to try their fortunes in Endhome.
The kids tell Faith they will continue on to the city since she will be there at least for the rest of the trip.
"Indeed Master Roark. Roast mutton sounds most perfect. Once you let me know when the ale is ready we can toast your tusks and my horns."
Roark pours the ale and before long a gnome with an apron and an eyepatch brings out the food.
"Crickets! You look like the paintings on the walls! Are ye cursed man?" The gnome sets down the food at the end of the bar keeping a safe distance from Vex.
One thing i know, Akkramar did take the glaive. But I always wondered one thing, why don't folks just record their gear on the character sheet like in tabletop?
No problem with spreadsheets just curious.
I know I have been sparse, I am getting just annihilated schedule wise, getting through each day as it comes. Not for lack of interest. Enjoyed reading the last posts.
At night as Faidh plays, the kids from Bridgetown approach her. The eldest sister speaks while the snot nosed kid cowers behind her grinning nervously.
”Madame Knight, some of our people have been talking to the villagers of Cat’s Wife. Half of our people want to continue on to Endhome, and half want to stay here and become farmers and fishers. What do you think we should do? We’ve never been away from home before we don’t know where we will feel safe. Do you think those bone dwarf’s and flying shadows will follow us here?”
The fat half orc promptly fills a tankard of ale. There are three taps at the bar but nothing to indicate any difference between them. Vex gets the impression that at this tavern, an ale is an ale.
He sets down the dark ale off to the side to let the head settle.
History DC 10:
Among thieve's of Manas it is a sign of respect to not serve the ale while it's still frothing. The proper gesture if yu are in the know is to let it set there a while before recieving it. If you serve it right away it means you don't want the patron at the bar, and if you recieve it right away you may not be an insider.
Vex can roll with advantage because of his background.
"The name's Roark. Humbalto Roark. We have roast mutton and garlic sage soup with cream. I've no issue with horns. Have a pair of tusks meself and I'd never hurt a fly..."
The man is droll but one gets the impression he may have injured several flies in his time.
"Good thing I didn't open me mouth, would only have ruined yer fine speech" - Akkramar elbowed the paladin with a smile, after she addresses the villagers.
Then he turns to the nearby villagers - "Now, did I hear anything about warm mulled cider? Take me to it now, it is an emergency!" - he laughed raucously.
Once all the refugees seem well underway to get settled, the dwarf went looking for the town forge or blacksmith, intent on repaying Cat's Wife kindness.
** spoiler omitted **
Baldo, the smith, is overjoyed at once to meet Akkramar. Bearded himself, and rather stout, he looks the part of a dwarf and Akkramar soon learns that he is an admirer of the dwarven pantheon. At the mention of divinely blessed smithing going on , the man does not hesitate to volunteer a request for an item of which the village is in need. A plow.
Vex tips the nod to the urchin with a black lipped smile, then begins his search for the aforementioned Blue Dragonfly...
Not sure if the urchin had gestured in the direction he should take? Want to avoid wandering aimlessly in Manas if I can. If necessary he'll pause to ask directions
At the Blue Dragonfly
The Tavern has the kind of seedy opulence that Vex would recognize anywhern. Not to mention a fragrance that he can't mistake. Opium. Inside a fat half-orc instructs Vex to sit at the bar. Tall stools with wire backs stand free of customers. Oil paintings on the walls in gilded ornate frames depict scenes of angels and devils dancing in fine attire.
"What will it be stranger? I don'y reckon I've seen you in Manas before."
The clearing has a floor of crunchy frosty leaves. They crunch underfoot with other step.
Occasionally you have a chance to note the size of the bear paws. A reminder of the occupant of the clearing.
The log situation is fairly plane to understand. There is clearly a pile of treasure that has been collected in the hollow of the log. Several glittering metallic trinkets can be spotted once Melira get's close.
The twinkling treasure is crusted over mostly with frosty leaves.
Perception DC 10:
The frosty leaves and undergrowth partially covering these treasures reveal that it was collected over time and before the season turned. It doesn't look tampered with, it looks like an animal was just interested in the items, that's all.
Investigation DC 10:
The log is not trapped. The treasure are safe to retrieve.
Treasure:
a gold chalice studded with rubies (350 gp), a jeweled scabbard for a longsword (350 gp), a jade vase (100 gp), and a scroll case made of ivory decorated with gold leaf (95 gp)
Vex tips the nod to the urchin with a black lipped smile, then begins his search for the aforementioned Blue Dragonfly...
Not sure if the urchin had gestured in the direction he should take? Want to avoid wandering aimlessly in Manas if I can. If necessary he'll pause to ask directions
Sorry I didn’t specify, he would include directions. You can go there directly. Give me a moment to look over the map and see if you pass anything notable en route.
The farmer's are clearly moved by the paladin's words. "My dear, we have hay lofts to spare, and warm mulled cider. You may fish in our streams and share our simple village meals with us."
The village of Cat's Wife accepts you and all the refugees you are escorting.
You may receive the benefit of a long rest.
The kids are happy to sleep with a roof over the head and some padding beneath them, for the first time all week.
1d10 ⇒ 10
There is no sign of the demon larva or other attackers.
"How are you with talking to others? I can, but humans sometimes find me uncomfortable. I mean I am tall and well strange to most people"Faidh says her shield and ax put away and her face uncovered. She knew coming open-faced and empty-handed would be more perceived as nonthreatening.
"Meh... I am use ta bein' at tha forge on me own, or mayhaps with a few others" - Akkramar replied - "Not flappin' my lips around ta make others happy and whatnot" - he added with a shrug and a chuckle - "Did that answer yer question?"
The farmers around the outskirts of the village eventually come out to greet the large assembly of displaced people from Bridgetown. They have some cultural similarity, being from the Borderland Kingdoms. They have a look of sympathy when they hear about the fall of Bridgetown, but sympathy turns to fear when they hear the mention of skeletons and shadows.
”You don’t suppose any evil has followed you here?”
"But we are in old Manas. I am the visitor. And you have gained two silver. Roark I will find... Adieu my learned friend."
The rogue then moves off into the street, leaving his urchin to mull what had transpired.
17 Intimidation. The urchin's demeanor becomes more deferent towards Vex.
The man stammers a bit, wiping the coin on his dirty tunic. "I didn't mean to cross you. I didn't know you were well connected in Endhome. Look, if you go to the Blue Dragonfly, that bartender I told you about won't be of much use. But there is a side office occupied by a man named Ghere. Luam Ghere. If there's someone in Manas who can forge a document for you, it will be him."
Ok so you guys move through the woods. No sneaking?
Perc:1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17
As Bez n Melira pass through the gate and turn off into the woods, away from the stable and back towards the road, they come to a clearing in the forested area. In the center of the clearing is a small log.
There are some tracks in the frozen mud and frosty leaves lining the ground.
Survival DC 10:
These are bear tracks. Some are fresh and others are older. The bear must frequent this clearing.
That is the plan. To rest in some nearby barns for the night and then continue on. Nothing fancy.
Before anyone in the village proper has seen the group coming, there are many farmhouses spread out around the village, as well as a fresh stream teaming with jumping fish. Faidh can communicate with some of the farmers who have big barns with lofts of hay to sleep on.
If you can roll a DC 15 persuasion check, you can get the benefit of a long rest. Let me know if you have any ideas to give you advantage. If Akkramar assists you can add +2 to the roll.
"Even better, but one sometimes does follow the other," says Bez, keeping his swords at the ready.
The side gate Area 12 on Melira's Map is of similar dwarven construction to the front gate. It has the same smooth operation and counterweight system. There is some broken flagstone on the ground beneath the gate, and some scratches, but the engineering has held up to whatever attempts had been made to damage it. Beyond the gate lie gardens with pathways leading to outbuildings. Directly ahead is a building which looks like a stables. area 8. A left fork off the path will lead you back towards the guard shed and the badger lair, as well as the road back down the hill toward Grollek's Grove. Where the path joins the stables, it veers off deeper into the garden's and toward's the vineyard's behind the house and it's walls.
Realise I got my city's confused. Vex of course is from Endholm, and not Rembello.
Yeah Endhome is the big port city, trading hub, with powerful Noble families rumored to be quite corrupt. Remballo is a little town you are headed to. It is not well known for anything but there is a banking family there who issue letters of credit. Vex was handed a letter of credit from Remballo which turned out to be a fake. Forged letterhead of House Borgandy. The person who handed the fake letter to Bez was a opium addict from Manas or Remballo. He had said Remballo.
Investigation DC 10:
Now that Vex is talking to this urchin in Manas, he has to say that the accent and speech patterns are exactly like those of the opium buyer who paid with the fake letter of credit. Now, Remballo is very nearby to Manas so it may not mean anything. But there is also a style of dress on the street here, a flair for the exotic, a cosmopolitan kind of style that points to a new world being born out of the collapse of an old world order. All of that fits the opium buyer with the fake note to a "t". That guy would have looked right at home on theses Manas streets.
The urchin looks a little insulted at Vex's persistant questioning about forger's.
"Look man. I offered you poppy tea. Poppy tea is no crime in Manas. You are asking about illegal things. I told you, I don't know no forger, yes? Ok."
But he considers the silver which was offered.
"Look man you asked about lodging. Why don't you go have a drink at the Blue Dragonfly. Humbalto Roark pours the drinks there. Maybe they can slate your thirst."
